Monbulk Historical Society Inc

Autumn 2019 Newsletter

The Autumn 2019 issue of 'Roundabout ', the Monbulk Historical Society's newsletter is now available online here.

We have also made it easy for everyone to receive a copy of the newsletter by implementing an online subscriber list. anyone who wants to receive a copy of the newsletter can subscribe here.

After you enter your email address and click on submit, you will receive an email containing a link for you to confirm that the email address is valid. This ensures the newsletter is only sent to genuine email addresses. If you cannot find the email, check your junk mail folder just in case it has been mis-directed. If you add This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. into your email address book you should avoid any problems.

We welcome your feedback on the newsletter and hope you enjoy reading it.

Monbulk’s Hunger for History

This 62 page colour book has lots of tasty family recipes handed down from generation to generation together with family stories dating from Monbulk's early settlement through to the many cultures we have in Monbulk today.

“Monbulk’s Hunger for History” is available for just $20.00 each at the Monbulk Hub or direct from Monbulk Historical Society (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). All proceeds from sales of the book help support MHS’ ongoing work.

Patrick O'Connor's Story

Patrick's parents Edmund and Agnes O'Connor selected land in The Patch when the area was opened up for selection in 1893. Their 10 acre block was situated on the big sweeping bend on The Patch Road in The Patch. Before enlisting, Pat played football for Monbulk. He played in the 1912 Premiership team.

Patrick O'Connor recorded a long and detailed report of the days prior to his capture and all his subsequent difficulties as a Prisoner of War including brutal treatment, torture and ill treatment until final repatriation. The report includes reference to life in the trenches and a minor wound before capture, several wounds on the day of the capture and an attempt to beat him to death with a rock before being taken away for internment. He also witnessed the murder of an Australian wounded soldier by the Turks.

When Pat first returned home he lived on his father's property at The Patch. He rode round on a horse. Pat was once heard saying to his friend Smasher, (Harold Wakeman) who was just a little bloke. "You know, Smasher, you'd make a decent leg for a man!"

Pat was known as Patsy O'Connor to many of his friends in Monbulk.

The road opposite the O’Connor selection property was the beginning of what was once known as ‘The Bridle Track’ which ran from The Patch Road through to Gleghorn Road in Kallista. The Patch end of that road was later re-named “O'Connor's Road” after Patrick O'Connor.

Patrick's story was related by Jill A'Vard at the 2017 Monbulk RSL Anzac Day service. You can read the Anzac Day speech here.

Monbulk’s World War I Diggers

A collection of service histories of the men and women from Monbulk and District who served in Word War I 1914 - 1918.

This 124 page book is a collection of profiles of the Monbulk and District Diggers who fought in WWI. Profiles were first compiled for the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli 2015 and displayed in the Monbulk RSL. Each profile includes information of their military records, family histories and photos where possible.

Researching these men revealed the horrific conditions, illness and injuries the men went through while being away from their loved ones for far longer than anyone expected at the time. It brought home the relationships of this small community and how brothers, fathers, sons, cousins and brothers-in-law all left their families who had to ‘keep things going’ at home until their return.

The book is $15 is available for sale at Monbulk Historical Society & at the Monbulk Hub.

Bitter and Sweet

Monbulk Historical Society has just released a new book 'Bitter and Sweet'.

The fight for survival by those with everything to loose.

In 2014 the May family of Monbulk donated the Monbulk Progress and Fruit Growers Association minute books which had been left in their father’s hands for ‘safe keeping’ in 1962.

This 42 page, colour book focuses on the first of the donated minute books covering the activities of the group from 16th October 1918 until 27th May 1922.

The book gives insights into the circumstances of those times and the issues faced by members of the Association and the wider Monbulk community. It explores the background of the more significant issues and events reflected in the minutes of the Association. Some of the topics discussed in the meetings were shared by the wider Australian public, but others were of particular relevance to those living in Monbulk and at times, specifically the fruit growers.

The book is $15 is available for sale at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, MHS & at the Monbulk Hub.

Monbulk is located 42 km east of Melbourne in the midst of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria.

Monbulk Historical Society was formed in 1989 having many temporary homes until 2011 when it finally moved into "The Hub", Monbulk's new Living & Learning Centre.

Our street address:

Monbulk Living & Learning Centre21 Main StMonbulk VIC 3793

Our postal address:

PO Box 98Monbulk VIC 3793

Our location:

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Our Aims

To record and document local history

To preserve material, documents or photographs given to the society for research

Publication of pamphlets and literature for sale

To help and advise the community on local history

Monbolok

Hiding Place in the Hills

The name Monbulk, had varied spellings, Monbolok or Monbolac, was first applied by pastoralists to a run to the south, then to Monbulk Creek, and later was the original name of Belgrave railway station.

Timber, gold and berries were the products that drew the earliest residents to the present Monbulk area.

For the aboriginals, Monbulk was a 'hiding place among the hills'. They were seasonal visitors to the steep gullies of the Dandenongs, and took their sick and injured to the waters of Nathania Springs.

Monbulk was definitely the meeting place of at least two of the tribes for corroborees. Many native spears and stone axes have been found at the site of the Monbulk football ground.

Interested?

Have you wondered about the history of Monbulk, The Patch, Sherbrooke or Kallista?

Do you enjoy learning about the people and places that led to our community being what it is today?